We are a team of four architects and designers based in the historic market town of Wirksworth in Derbyshire. Our portfolio is varied with large and small projects across a range of market sectors.

We believe that every project can be special and should exceed the expectations of our clients – one of our past clients once said “I sing every time I come home!”

We take sustainability seriously and have won a number of awards for low energy projects.

As well as architecture, we are involved in landscape design, interior design and community projects.

We are also involved in education which keeps us challenged and open to new ideas and technologies.

Our Approach

Every project is unique but we have evolved a way of working which seems to suit most, but not all of our projects.

Initial meeting

We always meet our clients and visit them wherever their project is, not in the office.

Developing a brief

We listen to our clients and together we formulate a brief which is equally about hopes and aspirations as well as physical needs.

Preparing a proposal

We will then spend some time setting out how we would approach the project. The proposal will be detailed and will include practical things such as how we would manage time, cost and the approvals process but will also highlight opportunities to make the most of the site and setting and how to make the project as sustainable as possible.

We always prefer to present this proposal personally and we do not charge for this initial consultation.

Dan Lancaster, BA (Hons) BArch ADPPA ARB

Architect

The Derbyshire setting is full of special locations that warrant bespoke designs. I enjoy being creative and devising unique solutions to meet a client's brief.

This small, friendly office is the right practice in the right location to foster positive outcomes for both client and design.

Joe Grey BSC (HONS)

Director

I love working in our studio as we all get the opportunity to work on and have influence on projects of varied nature and size.

Our location inevitably presents us the opportunity to work on interesting and historic buildings. These all have their own unique challenges which I find very interesting.

Derek Trowell BA (Hons) DIP. Arch. RIBA

Architect, Consultant

I enjoy being immersed in a busy practice and feel fortunate to be part of a talented team.

In addition to my work in the office I am a studio tutor at Nottingham University and an external examiner at Greenwich University. This adds diversity to my working week and helps me to continuously strive to be creative.

David Richards BSc (Hons)

Director

Since graduation from further education I have gained experience of working on a variety of projects across different sectors.

I enjoy the challenge of meeting a client’s brief within the constraints that each project comes with.

I have a particular interest in sustainability and cost effective, economical design solutions.